Chubut, Atlantic coast of Patagonia · Argentina
A windswept peninsula on the Patagonian coast where southern right whales calve, orcas hunt sea lions from the beach and elephant seals and penguins gather in their thousands.
Photo: Fernanda Cabral Jeronimo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Península Valdés is a large peninsula on the coast of Chubut province, in Patagonia, almost an island, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. UNESCO inscribed it in 1999 as a site of outstanding marine and coastal wildlife. Its sheltered gulfs, cliffs and beaches provide breeding grounds for a range of marine mammals and seabirds, and its steppe holds guanacos, maras (Patagonian hares) and rheas.
The star attraction is the southern right whale, which comes to the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo, near the village of Puerto Pirámides, to mate and give birth, from about June to December, and is most abundant in September and October. Boat trips from Puerto Pirámides bring visitors alongside the whales, which are curious and often approach the boats. Other highlights include elephant seals on the beaches, sea lion colonies, Magellanic penguins in nearby colonies and, at Punta Norte, orcas that famously beach themselves in a hunting technique, catching sea lion pups in the surf, most often between February and April.
The reserve is remote and windswept, and best explored by car or a tour. Puerto Madryn, a modern coastal town, is the usual base, about 100 km from Puerto Pirámides. To the south, Punta Tombo has one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in the world, and the Welsh-founded towns of Gaiman and Trelew give a taste of Patagonia's Welsh heritage, including tea houses.
Why visit
Valdés is one of the best places in the world to see marine wildlife, and highly accessible.
Close encounters with mothers and calves from boats in calm bays.
Rare behaviour on view at Punta Norte, and giant seals on beaches.
Huge colonies of Magellanic penguins from September to March.
Guanacos, maras, rheas and seabirds.
Gaiman's tea houses and chapels, a legacy of Welsh settlers in 1865.
Main attractions
The main sights are around the peninsula, with a day for penguins to the south.
The only settlement on the peninsula, where whale-watching boats leave from the beach. Tours last about 1.5 hours, and run from June to December.
Tip Book the first departure.
Adult whales, mothers and calves are seen at close range in Golfo Nuevo, with tail slaps and breaches.
Tip Bring a jacket, and keep your camera ready.
A sea lion colony where orcas rush onto the beach to catch pups, an extraordinary hunting behaviour. Sightings are best at high tide from February to April, and are not guaranteed.
Tip Check tide times and be patient.
Colonies of elephant seals, sea lions and penguins, with beaches and cliffs, on the eastern coast.
Tip Visit in September and October for elephant seal pups.
About 200 km south of Puerto Madryn, the largest mainland colony of Magellanic penguins, open from September to March, where visitors walk along paths among nesting birds.
Tip A full-day trip from Puerto Madryn.
A small town founded by Welsh settlers in the 19th century, with tea houses serving cakes, scones and tea in a Welsh tradition.
Tip Combine with Punta Tombo.
Things to do
Wildlife dominates, with time for scenery and local culture.
Take a boat from Puerto Pirámides, between June and December.
Tip September and October are peak.
Wait at the viewing platform for a chance to see orcas hunting.
Tip Go from February to April at high tide.
At Punta Tombo and Cabo Dos Bahías.
Tip Stay on the paths.
See guanacos, maras and seabirds from the road.
Tip Fill up in Puerto Pirámides.
From Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides, with licensed operators.
Tip Book in advance.
Sample scones, cakes and tea.
Tip Go in the afternoon.
Local food
Food here is seafood and Patagonian lamb, with Welsh influences in Gaiman.
Fish, shellfish, scallops and squid, from the Atlantic.
Where to try it Restaurants in Puerto Madryn.
Lamb, cooked on an open fire.
Where to try it Parrillas.
Scones, cakes and tea served with jam and cream.
Where to try it Tea houses in Gaiman.
Local breweries.
Where to try it Puerto Madryn.
Snacks for the road.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Stay in Puerto Madryn for choice, or Puerto Pirámides for immersion.
Transport
Puerto Madryn is about 1,400 km south of Buenos Aires.
A car or a tour is essential.
When to go
The peninsula has a windy, semi-arid climate. Wildlife follows the seasons.
Peak whales, penguins nesting and elephant seals with pups.
Warm, with penguin chicks, but fewer whales.
Orcas at Punta Norte, from February to April.
Whales arrive, with cold and windy weather.
Worth planning around: January to May if whales are your priority.
Itinerary
Whales, the reserve and penguins.
Puerto Pirámides.
Seals and orcas.
Penguins and tea.
Travel tips
A few tips help you see the wildlife.
FAQ
June to December, with September and October the best.
Sometimes, at Punta Norte from February to April, at high tide. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Two to three days.
Yes, on a full-day tour.
It helps, though tours are available.
From September to March.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Península Valdés, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Tierra del Fuego, southern tip of Argentina, Argentina
A port at the end of the world, with Beagle Channel cruises, Tierra del Fuego National Park, the End of the World Train, penguins and the departure point for Antarctic cruises.
Don't miss Sailing the Beagle Channel past sea lions and the red-and-white Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, with the mountains behind.
Explore Destination — Ushuaia and Tierra del FuegoSanta Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina
The gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, boat trips to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, ice trekking and Patagonian estancias.
Don't miss Standing on the walkways as a house-sized block of ice breaks away and thunders into the lake.
Explore Destination — El Calafate and the Perito Moreno GlacierBuenos Aires, on the Río de la Plata, Argentina
Argentina's capital: a city of European architecture and Latin passion, with Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta Cemetery, San Telmo, La Boca, Teatro Colón, tango and some of the best food and nightlife in the Americas.
Don't miss A slow dinner of grilled beef and Malbec in Palermo at 10pm, followed by a milonga where the dancers do not stop until dawn.
Explore Destination — Buenos AiresRead next
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